In the Spotlight: Principal a hero, unlike Peoria School Board, administration

Saturday

Dec 21, 2013 at 1:16 AM

'I have no comment."

All I could think was, "Did I just hear her correctly?" I at least expected the courtesy of an impersonal, boilerplate response: "Thank you for sharing your concerns."

But a cavalier, almost condescending "no comment" from District 150 Superintendent Grenita Lathan after so many members of the Charter Oak Primary School community had showed up at a School Board meeting to voice their opposition to the investigation of Principal John Wetterauer?

What ... a ... coward!

It was a slap in the face for us. Took the breath right out of our lungs. As I sat on the bleachers at Von Stueben Middle School with an impassioned crowd of 300-plus proud parents, grandparents, teachers and supporters of Mr. Wetterauer, I was stunned.

We came. In the snow and ice, we marched. We poured our hearts out. We begged the administration to help us understand their decision.

But they just sat there.

As each supporter shared his or her concerns, dismissive body language told the story of their true sentiments. I have never seen a superintendent doodle during an entire meeting rather than make eye contact and at least feign concern. One of the board members even tried to quell the crowd as we clapped in support of the individuals that spoke on our behalf. No more clapping, he barked. "Enough of that," he said while pointing at someone. There was no respect, only disdain.

But should we be surprised?

As each person spoke, one common thread emerged: a pattern of bullying, a culture of intimidation, and a persistent fear of retribution are alive and well under Lathan. I heard stories of how she has vilified those who had the courage to stand for student interests above her agenda. As if having their reputations tarnished isn't punishment enough, these educators — if not fired — are shifted around to other schools in what has been labeled her "Machiavellian Shuffle." Apparently, Mr. W was next on her list.

Perhaps Lathan thought Mr. W would buckle, like some of the others. Maybe she underestimated the tenacity of his supporters. Whatever the case, her three-year stint with District 150 pales in comparison to his 25-year history as a committed educator, leader and role model. Charter Oak is an award-winning, nationally recognized Blue Ribbon School because of his leadership. He's a hero, not just to those students who adore him but also to us parents who trust him to be a champion for our student's success.

He has never failed us. I can't say the same about Lathan or her administration.

Tiffany Britt is a digital strategist at Simantel and part-time instructor at Midstate College. She lives in Peoria with her 10-year-old daughter.